Countertop & Prep Essentials

I’m the kind of guy who does extensive research before making a purchase — scouring product reviews, comparing features, obsessing over all the idiosyncrasies of a product, and trying to find the best value for my dollar. I look for products that are highly functional, easy to use (and clean!), and are built to last.

We use all of these products in our own kitchen. They’re my favorites, and I bet they’ll be yours, too.

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3M Under-Sink Water Filter
Good beverages start with good water.
6" Mini Whisk
Perfect for scrambling just a few eggs, or mixing a small batch of batter.
Cast Iron Tortilla Press
Make beautiful homemade tortillas! Avoid the aluminum presses, as the handles sometimes snap.
CDN Quick-Read Digital Thermometer
I use this thermometer for cheese making, and making sure meats are cooked perfectly.
Coffee & Spice Grinder
You may want to get two, so your spices don't taste like coffee!
Duralex Nesting Glass Prep Bowls
Stackable for easy storage, and various sizes to suit the task at hand.
Glass Cow Butter Dish
We keep butter on the counter in this dish, so it stays soft and spreadable.
Greenlite Bamboo Cutting Boards
Thin and light, these are my go-to boards. When washing, be sure to get both sides wet so they won't warp.
Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cooker
The convenience of a slow-cooker, but the speed of a pressure-cooker. Win-win!
KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer
I recommend the 5-quart tilt head models instead of the 6-quart "pro" lift models. I think they're easier to use and large enough for almost every job.
KitchenAid Immersion Blender with Mini-Chopper
Surprisingly useful, especially when the blender or food processor is too big for the job.
KitchenCraft Mushroom Brush
Gently brush away dirt without damaging your 'shrooms. And it's cute, too!
Le Creuset Revolution Silicone Spatula Spoon
These do double-duty as a spatula and a spoon, and they're super-easy to clean.
Microplane Zester/Grater
Another workhorse -- use for finely shredding cheese, citrus zest, or grating spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
Oliso Smart Hub Induction Cooktop
The Smart Hub does the work of a gas or electric stove, range, water bath, slow cooker, yogurt maker and more - all in a smaller space.
Oliso Smart Vacuum Sealer
Smaller than most vacuum sealers, and the bags are reusable up to ten times. Perfect for Sous-Vide, or just sealing foods so they keep longer in the fridge or freezer.
OXO Good Grips Flexible Vegetable Brush
Great for firm veggies, like potatoes, carrots, zucchini, and celery.
OXO Good Grips Ice Scoop
Keep grubby hands out of the ice bin!
OXO Good Grips Locking Tongs with Silicone Heads
The silicone tips protect your cookware, and they lock closed for easy storage.
OXO Good Grips Silicone Collapsible Collander
Holds a large batch of pasta, but easily flattens to save storage space. Can also double as a large steamer insert.
OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge Can Opener
No more sharp edges!
Peugeot Pepper Mill
Form and function come together beautifully to make this adjustable pepper mill (and matching salt grinder).
Produce Mesh Bags
These reusable, lightweight bags are perfect for the grocery store or farmers market.
Pyrex Measuring Cups
Measure, mix, pour: Every kitchen needs a set of these durable measuring cups.
Rosle Garlic Press
A work of art in its own right, this gorgeous, functional press has a large capacity and is easy to clean.
Salter Digital Kitchen Scale
More and more recipes are specifying weights instead of volume, so a scale is essential. (Doubles as a postage scale!)
Sansaire Sous-Vide Immersion Circulator
Very easy to use, and much less expensive than most Sous-Vide circulators.
Stainless Steel Compost Pail
It's amazing how much composting will reduce the amount of garbage you throw in the bins.
Totally Bamboo Salad Hands
Handy (see what I did there?) for tossing the salad and then serving immediately.
Vitamix 5200 Blender
Yes, they really are as good as everyone says.
Zyliss Smart Touch Salad Spinner
No more soggy salad!